1980 GS 1100 head light conversion

[radek22]

I'm a newbie here, and I have to say I really appreciate your forum. Found it a while ago and I keep tapping into it quite often. Great job guys!
I got my first GS, a 1980 1100, and I'm considering some mild changes in appearance. One of them being changing the original rectangular lamp and controls for a big round one, likely 7 or 8 inch, and a small set of dials. Hope I could get some recommendations as to the process itself - wonder what's the safe way to rewire old to new, change brackets, discard the control panel wires, etc. Also hope you could direct me to some worthy replacement product.

Thanks,

[Tom R]

Look at it for a while first, it may grow on you.

[saffa]

dont be a philistine.... there are no worthy replacements ......the headlight,tank ,panels and seat unit make this machine what it is ....an icon...you got all that squareness on the bodywork which works well with the clocks and light ....a round one doesnt compliment it in any way and just looks wrong

but hey ...its yours ..so do as you wish

[mriddle]

You like this better ?

This is the 1982 GS750E

[Souske]

Anyone know the deal on the square headlight? 1980 only?
All i could find was "few were made" on wikipedia

OP: its hip to be square

[mriddle]

1980 and 1981 GS1100E and GS750E ..

[posplayr]

1980 and 1981 gs1100e and gs750e ..

83 gs1100ed

84-86 gs750es

how bout all the kats?

[radek22]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your feedback.
I'll reconsider it after this summer. I guess I imagined (actual testing coming up) that the change would not be irreversible, and without much difficulty. I noticed though that most examples of this model stick with original, and there's gotta be a reason for that..
Happy trails to all of you!

[radek22]

You like this better ?

This is the 1982 GS750E

Similar, slightly bigger head lamp and smaller speedo/tacho dials. Bit lower raiser bars.
My first bikes in 80's Poland were made some 50 years ago. Somehow that big-round front end look we were all riding stuck with me. Especially when it comes to big bikes. If you're curious enough Google what I've been riding back then;
1956(ish) IFA 250 boxer, East-German made 2stroke, knock off of the BMW R51
1965(ish) JUNAK 350, Polish made, gotta say almost impossible to destroy
1967(ish) OSA 125/175 Polish made scooter, used to be a daily commuter in my teens
Apologize, but the years they were made in are, by now, just approximated

[saffa]

the square light was used on th 80 -81 750s and 1100s. in 82 the 1100 got a full bodywork change and they moved to a round light. the 82 750 retained the original bodywork of the previous years but for some reason got a round light for 1 year of production before being totally redesigned in 83 to become the square lighted monoshocked 750es

so looks like the tea boy got into the design room whilst the designers were at lunch, and then again when they luanched the 1150ef....i mean with all the square bodywork on that bike...why would you put a massive round searchlight on the front of it..

[radek22]

Well saffa, for that very reason - all the square body work on the bike. In my eyes a bigger shallow headlight (flat back, not the half sphere) would still look small in comparison to this quite massive controls/headlight unit, exposing more fork, bit more of a classic look, balancing out the squareness. I think it goes pretty well with most of the bike, especially the fuel tank. Rear end not so much, agreed. Maybe removing rear fender or swapping it for a bit rounder would change that though.
Decided to wait a season anyway. Respecting the voice of majority Unless I find out it's fairly easy to convert back and forth, and find a cheap deal on a new set up

[Jason the terminator]

In my eyes a bigger shallow headlight (flat back, not the half sphere) would still look small in comparison to this quite massive controls/headlight unit, exposing more fork, bit more of a classic look, balancing out the squareness.

Have you seen how big the 82-83 1100E headlight and gauges are? Your square headlight and gauges are small in comparison. Besides why would you want to light the road less or make your self less visible to other drivers?

[radek22]

I only mentioned small dials in my conversion Jason. I'm not too fond of large ones (part of the reason for change) I agree the ones you mentioned are not too hot.
Secondly, a few research results indicate this particular lamp, no doubt powerful, falls a bit short in road tests with, say CBX from that year. Some bike reviews pointed it out as one of elements they'd wish would be improved. (I'll look for links if you need, remember one being comparison test with CBX 1100). Mixed reviews at best.

[saffa]

as i said before ...its your toy ...do what you like with it.....just send the square light and tail unit to me ...i have a home for it right here

[quexpress]

Secondly, a few research results indicate this particular lamp, no doubt powerful, falls a bit short in road tests with, say CBX from that year. Some bike reviews pointed it out as one of elements they'd wish would be improved. (I'll look for links if you need, remember one being comparison test with CBX 1100). Mixed reviews at best.

Apparently ... Toyota MR2 H4 headlights can be used with good results.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/86-95-TOYOTA-MR2-EURO-200mm-H4-H6054-HEADLIGHTS-KIT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33710QQclk_rvr_idZ235123903200QQitemZ330326008538

I will eventually know because I have purchased one!